Jammu and Kashmir to get two genomic sequencing labs

Jammu and Kashmir health department has decided to set up two genomic sequencing labs at medical colleges Jammu and Srinagar to ensure better healthcare management, especially during the COVID-like situations in the respective regions. The purchase order for the next-generation DNA-sequencing system has been placed with M/S Life Technologies Holdings, and the labs are expected to be functional by March 2022. The cost of one lab is approximately Rs 1.25 crores, Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of J&K, said in a statement.

The statement notified that the next-generation sequencing system will enable sequencing of SARS COV2 genome for the viral surveillance and epidemiology research. The system can also be used in future for clinical research in other infectious diseases as well as in oncology and reproductive health. This technology is used by various research institutes, hospitals and molecular labs around the world. As part of the agreement, the experts from the supplier multi-national company will operationalise the lab and train the staff for a six-month period on genome sequencing. The presence of genomic sequencing labs in the UT will reduce dependence on labs based outside Jammu and Kashmir, and also help in detecting any disease at the preliminary stage.

Commenting on the development, Vivek Bhardwaj (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Medical Education, said, “Setting up of genome sequencing labs in Jammu and Kashmir will enhance the healthcare capacity manyfold in the UT. They will not only help in the pandemic-like situations, but also in other medical research purposes. The gap between the availability of genome sequencing labs and the number of sampling requests in the country during the third wave of the pandemic limited the COVID-sequencing capability. Keeping in mind the importance of the lab, the health administration decided to set up its own labs in the UT.”